Sri Lanka to restart tourism with new visa, coronavirus safety rules

Sri Lanka to restart tourism with new visa, coronavirus safety rules

Sri Lanka, among the top tourist destinations in Asia, has released guidelines for limited resumption of international tourism from August 1 after months of sealed borders during a coronavirus-induced lockdown focusing on repeated testing and pre-booking.. Sri Lanka had registered 1,857 cases of Covid-19 and 11 deaths by Monday, most of them among navy personnel and people returning from abroad, reports Efe news.. As the country has managed to contain fresh cases and deaths in recent weeks, reopening tourism was a top agenda for the government as it eases restrictions.. The guidelines have made it mandatory for visitors to carry a negative Covid-19 test report issued within 72 hours of arrival, apart from undergoing another test at the airport on arrival and a third test within five to seven days or earlier upon developing respiratory symptoms.. Another test would be carried out if the stay exceeds 10 days.. Other measures include the mandatory requirement of pre-booking tour packages, suspension of on-arrival visas and a flat $100 visa fee for tourists in potential roadblocks for the revival of the crucial sector.A top official at Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), told Efe news that the $100 fee was aimed at discouraging